The Best Simnel Cake Recipe for Easter Celebrations

Easter is a special time of year where families come together to celebrate. One of the best parts about Easter is the delicious cakes and treats that are made to enjoy! Here are some traditional cakes that are often served during Easter:

Simnel Cake – this traditional cake is made with a light fruit cake base, marzipan topping and eleven marzipan balls around the edge. It’s usually decorated with eggs and spring flowers for an extra touch of festivity.

250g unsalted butter, softened
250g light muscovado sugar
4 large eggs
275g self-raising flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
175g sultanas
175g currants

200g marzipan

Zest of one lemon

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line two 8” round cake tins.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then sift in the flour and cinnamon, stirring until just combined. Fold through the dried fruit.
3. Divide the mixture evenly between both tins and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow to cool in tin before turning out onto wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
4. To decorate your simnel cake, roll out the marzipan on a lightly floured surface to fit your cakes – you will need two layers per cake (one of each side). Place one layer on top of each cooled cake, pressing down lightly so it sticks, then trim off any excess around edges using a knife or spatula. Place second layer on bottom of each cake in same way, then brush with warmed apricot jam over entire surface for added stickiness for decorations! Decorate with eleven marzipan balls around edge with Easter eggs or flowers in centre, if desired.